Two people found dead in Valley, Ala. home identified

Police in Valley, Ala. are investigating the death of two people at a home on the 400 block of Lafayette Street. They have been identified as Deborah Ann Phelps, 43, and Don Phelps, 46.

The preliminary investigation indicates that their death was an act of murder-suicide. Police will not comment onwho they believe committed the murder, and then committed suicide.

According to police, they were contacted by family members to conduct a welfare check of the two people at the home located in the Fairfax community. Neither of the individuals had been heard from since Sunday Nov. 10.

"Ourofficers received permission to enter the residence," said Major Mike Reynoldswith the Valley Police Department. "They had to force the door open and whenthey did they found the residents of this home both deceased. At this time thatis as far as we can go we are still waiting for confirmation that the extendedfamily has been notified."

After officers were given permission to enter the home, both occupants were found dead. A handgun was recovered at the scene with several other pieces of evidence that would tend to support an act of murder-suicide.